Title: Leaders Used by God
Contents
Title: Leaders Used by God Text: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Introduction] Generally, we think ‘I am not a leader’. But, in a word, a leader is someone who has influence. In this respect, we are all leaders. Today, I would like to take a look at “what kind of a leader God uses” through Paul’s appearance.
1. A gentle man (verses 1, 10)/ Paul was a gentle man. This attitude is very different from what the world thinks of leadership. The word docile has a general meaning such as ‘meekness and tenderness’, but it also refers to ‘having one’s own strength and not using it recklessly. This saying implies that in order to become a leader, you must first have the ability. After that, you don't want to abuse this influence. On the other hand, it means to have 'generosity to accept the opinions of others'. God uses generous people. At the very least, leaders must break free from black and white logic. You need to learn to listen to the other person's opinion, and to accept his or her opinion whenever possible. To do that, you need to try to understand what the other person is saying, even if you don't agree.
2. A person who makes decisions when necessary (verses 2 and 6)/ To become the leader God uses, you must be able to make decisions when necessary. Even though Paul was a gentle man, he made a strong decision before important things. The Corinthian Saints were even hurt. When do leaders make decisions? It's time to create a rift in the community. Everyone hates bumping into someone. However, as a leader, we hate it, but sometimes we should not avoid bumping into each other. It is a cowardly attitude that abandons one's duties. Of course, just because someone is doing something wrong doesn't mean you have to challenge it right away. It is not the attitude of a leader to be ignorant when it is clear to speak and act contrary to the gospel and ignore the order of the community. When you need a challenge, you have to challenge it.
4. A person who respects the realm of others (verses 13-15)/ The apostle Paul emphasizes that he is working within the limits God has given him. Leaders that God uses know where they are located. They do what God wants where God wants them to be. But at the same time, respect other people's territory. In our church, there are education departments, ministry teams, men's and women's evangelism departments, and nest (farm) meetings. First of all, when each department wants to accomplish a certain task, it must not damage other areas of ministry. We need to respect each other. If you see a group with many problems, it means that they only value work that belongs to their own domain and do not care about other people's domains. So that's a problem. Leaders used by God know their realm.
Conclusion] We must all maintain such a leadership attitude and become such leaders that God puts our minds to it.